Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Initiative

On May 7–8, 2025, Nigeria proudly hosted the First Regional Meeting of Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children (VAC) in Africa, bringing together 15 pathfinding nations committed to safeguarding children's rights and well-being across the continent. This historic event marked a major milestone in the collective fight to end all forms of violence against children. A standout moment of the meeting was the inspiring session led by children from the Nigerian Children’s Parliament and delegates from the African Children’s Summit 2024 (Nigerian delegation). These young advocates not only shared powerful testimonies but also engaged directly with government representatives, heads of delegations, and stakeholders, demonstrating true leadership and commitment to shaping a safer world for every child. They reflected on what has worked well in their past participation efforts, the challenges they have faced, and what they expect adults, institutions, and government, to improve to make meaningful child participation a reality. In a powerful display of global citizenship, these children also brought forward the report from the 2024 Ministerial Meeting on Ending Violence Against Children held in Bogotá, alongside the newly adopted resolution from the Africa Children’s Summit concluded in April 2025. Their contribution not only emphasized continuity in global child protection efforts but also reinforced the importance of children’s voices in shaping policies and practices that affect their lives. This session was a compelling reminder that children are not just beneficiaries of protection, but they are also agents of change. Together, we can build an Africa, and a world, where every child grows up safe, protected, and empowered. United Nations UNICEF UNICEF Nigeria @Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Mtoto News #EndViolenceAgainstChildren #ChildParticipation #PathfindingCountries #AfricaUnited #Nigeria #ChildRights #ChildrenLead #BogotaToAfrica #SafeFuture #AfricanChildrenSummit #TogetherToEndViolence

Intimate Image Abuse refers to the non-consensual taking, sharing, or threatening to share nude, sexual, or private images or videos of a person. This abuse can occur with or without the victim’s knowledge and is often used to shame, control, blackmail, or humiliate. It is a serious violation of privacy and a form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. It’s not just harmful, it’s a crime. Whether it’s shared on social media, messaging apps, or even threatened in private. You have the right to be safe online. If you or someone you know is experiencing Intimate Image Abuse or any other form of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), report it anonymously and securely at www.acsaing.org/report.

Today’s girls are tomorrow’s tech leaders, innovators, and change-makers. But to get there, they need access, opportunity, and encouragement. We are in a time where digital transformation is reshaping every part of our lives, and it must include her. This year’s theme calls on governments, communities, educators, and industries to invest in girls, break down gender barriers, and build a future where technology is truly inclusive. Let’s amplify girls’ voices in ICT. Let’s equip them with the skills, confidence, and platforms they need to lead in digital spaces. Because when girls rise in tech, the whole world rises with them. #GirlsInTech #ICTGirls

What Does the Law Say About Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in Nigeria? In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, this video sheds light on the legal provisions surrounding the possession, production, and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in Nigeria. Every action counts in protecting children. Let’s stay informed, speak up, and enforce the law. Together, we can end Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA). #EndCSAM #ChildProtection #ACSAINigeria #JusticeForChildren #OnlineSafety

The Second Edition of the Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is now available. This globally recognized resource, developed by a diverse Interagency Working Group comprising over 40 leading organizations worldwide at the initiative of ECPAT International, serves as a critical tool for ensuring the use of survivor-centred, precise, and protective language when addressing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Words are powerful and they shape perceptions, influence policy, and drive action. Unfortunately, outdated and harmful terms like “child prostitute” or “child pornography” have historically misrepresented the reality of abuse, shifting blame onto children and distorting public understanding. These updated guidelines: ▪️Clarify and standardize definitions related to child sexual exploitation and abuse. ▪️Reflect technological, social, and legal developments within the child protection space. ▪️Promote respectful, inclusive, survivor-centred language that protects children and empowers survivors. ▪️Strengthen child protection responses globally by ensuring consistency in communication among professionals, policymakers, law enforcement, service providers, and the media. This vital resource is the product of extensive collaboration by child protection experts, survivors, advocates, and organizations working across sectors to improve child safeguarding measures worldwide. As a committed member of the global child protection community, we Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Initiative (ACSAI) strongly endorses this updated guideline and encourages all stakeholders, including government agencies, CSOs, media professionals, and frontline service providers, to adopt these terms in practice and advocacy. We invite you to download and explore the Second Edition of the Terminology Guidelines, Guideline Handbook, and Preventing Victim Blaming, via the link below: https://lnkd.in/gx9C-MdX https://lnkd.in/dGKy_tRZ https://lnkd.in/dWsxchmw

TODAY IS THE DAY ☂️ 16 April is #BlueUmbrellaDay 2025 💙 ... and we're nearly at 4,000 signatures already! Together with over 25 of our members, we are calling for YOUR support – let's make #BlueUmbrellaDay and internationally recognised day dedicated to protecting boys and young men from sexual violence. Break the silence, break the stigma – join the call, add your signature! Can we get to 5,000 signatures by the end of this week? 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gVD-W_cg #BlueUmbrellaDay #BUD2025 #ProtectBoysBetter #AddYourVoice #SignThePetition #JoinTheCall Fundación JUCONI México FOST ZIMBABWE Butterflies NGO Challenging Heights Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Initiative ChildLinK Inc. Children in Distress Network (CINDI) CONACMI ONG First Step Cambodia Hayat Sende Derneği ONG Paicabi Praajak Development Society - India Taller de Vida - Centro de Desarrollo Psicosocial Undugu Society of Kenya Voice of Children Nepal Pendekezo Letu uyisenga ni imanzi

Today is #BlueUmbrellaDay2025 Let’s talk about boys, their vulnerabilities, and their rights. Too often, boys who experience sexual violence are left in the shadows—silenced by stigma, toxic masculinity, and cultural expectations that tell them to "man up" or "stay strong." This needs to change. On this #BlueUmbrellaDay, we raise our voices to protect boys from sexual exploitation and abuse. We break the silence. We challenge harmful norms. We stand for healing, justice, and prevention. Boys are not invincible. They deserve to be safe, heard, and supported—just like anyone else. Let’s #ProtectBoysToo Let’s #BreakTheSilence Let’s hold up the blue umbrella—a symbol of shelter, safety, and hope. #ChildProtection #EndSexualViolence #SafeOnline #StopTheAbuse #GenderJustice #BlueUmbrellaDay Family for Every Child

A powerful new report from Childlight - Global Child Safety Institute uncovers disturbing trends in how dating apps are being weaponized by child sex offenders. Key findings from the report include: 👉 66% of offenders surveyed used dating apps, over 20% daily. 👉 Single mothers are targeted, with offenders grooming them to gain access to their children. 👉 11% admitted to sexually offending against children. 👉 Most apps lack identity checks and safeguards to detect grooming behaviors. But this is just one piece of a much larger crisis. The Searchlight 2025 report reveals how technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation is thriving in unregulated digital spaces — and how mainstream platforms profit from it. We urgently need binding, enforceable safety standards to: Vet users with proper identity verification Detect and disrupt grooming and exploitation Hold platforms accountable for the harm enabled by their ecosystems At ACSAI, we stand firmly with Childlight - Global Child Safety Institute in calling for prevention-focused, rights-based, and survivor-centered global action. Explore the full report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dGXiBNCb #EndCSEA #OnlineChildSafety #SwipeWrong #ACSAINigeria #ChildProtectionMatters #Searchlight2025

D-DAY IS HERE! Join us for the Africa Children Summit Nigeria Pre-Summit happening TODAY, March 22nd, 2025, at 12:00 PM WAT 🕛 This is a crucial gathering to amplify children's voices, address pressing child protection issues, and drive action for a safer future! Virtual Event on Zoom Click here to join: https://lnkd.in/dMaj3_-t 📲 Or scan the QR code on the flyer! Together, we can create a world where every child is protected and empowered. 🌍💚 Mtoto News #ACSNigeriaPreSummit #AfricaChildrenSummit #ChildProtection #EndChildAbuse #ChildRights #JoinTheConversation

1 Day to Go! Join the Africa Children Summit Nigeria Pre-Summit happening tomorrow, March 22nd, 2025, at 12:00 PM WAT via Zoom. Scan the QR code or click the link to register: https://lnkd.in/dMaj3_-t Let’s come together to amplify children's voices and drive change! #AfricaChildrenSummit #ACSAI #ChildRights #EndChildAbuse #YouthVoices #JoinTheMovement